At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage retail partnerships, drive sales, and build relationships with major and independent retailers.
- Company: Thriving UK creative brand known for standout product design.
- Benefits: Up to £50,000 salary, remote work, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a fast-growing brand and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in retail sales, strong relationship-building skills, and self-motivated.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 € per year.
Up to £50,000 DOE
Remote (UK-wide travel)
A thriving UK creative brand, known for standout product design and a fast-growing presence across both major retail and the independent sector, is building out its commercial team. This is a pivotal hire: someone who will own a diverse portfolio of retailers, deepen existing relationships, and onboard the right new partners. Equal parts relationship-builder, analyst and brand champion - this role suits someone who gets energy from being in front of people, loves great product, and knows how to turn a conversation into commercial success.
What you'll be doing
- Strategic Retail Partnerships
- Own a defined portfolio of major high-street partners - department stores, garden centres, book retailers and become their trusted commercial contact
- Bring Joint Business Plans to life and keep them on track quarter to quarter
- Monitor in-store performance and trading data to identify what's working and where the opportunity lies
- Sharpen ranging, layout and shopper engagement to drive productivity per location
- Lead seasonal range pitches from sign-off through to shelf
- In-Store Presence & Brand Activation
- Spend meaningful time in market - UK-wide store visits are central to this role, not an afterthought
- Hold the brand to the highest visual standards across every retail environment
- Build genuine relationships with store managers and floor teams, turning them into real advocates
- Deliver energetic, hands-on product training that gets sales teams excited to sell
- Stay sharp on what competitors are doing, what's shifting in the category, and what's next
- Independent Channel Development
- Take ownership of a portfolio of indie and specialty stockists and grow it strategically
- Identify and pursue premium, on-brand new stockists worth investing in
- Build lasting relationships with some of the best independent retailers in the UK
- Maintain an active pipeline of prospects and channel opportunities
- Performance & Commercial Insight
- Set up data-sharing with key partners to get a clear view of sell-through performance
- Translate data into actionable insight - wins, gaps, and what to do next
- Feed market intelligence back into the business to inform ranging, pricing and commercial strategy
- Category & Brand Leadership
- Develop genuine expertise in the gift, stationery and home fragrance space
- Keep product and brand teams informed on what you're seeing and hearing out there
- Track competitor activity — pricing, promotions, new launches
- Represent the business at trade shows and industry events throughout the year (some weekend and overnight travel involved)
What you'll bring
- Essential
- 3–5 years in UK retail sales - account management, field sales or new business development
- A track record of working towards commercial targets in a B2B environment
- A genuine passion for product, retail and how brands show up in real life
- Natural relationship-builder - as comfortable with a buyer as with a shop floor team
- Self-motivated, driven and comfortable with autonomy and accountability
- Experienced working remotely and managing your own time and travel schedule
- Confident with Excel or Google Sheets (or willing to get up to speed quickly)
- Polished and persuasive in front of an audience, whether it's a buyer presentation or a product training session
- Full UK driving licence and readiness for regular nationwide travel
- Desirable
- Background in giftware, homeware, stationery, home fragrance, candles or a comparable lifestyle category
- Existing relationships with relevant high-street groups (department, garden or specialist chains) or premium independents
- Experience running Joint Business Plans with major UK retailers
Diversity & Inclusion
ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and warmly encourages applications from all backgrounds and identities.
Account Manager, Gift & Lifestyle employer: I Love My Job Ltd | B Corp
Join a dynamic and innovative creative brand that champions product design and fosters a vibrant work culture. As an Account Manager, you'll enjoy the flexibility of remote work while engaging in meaningful UK-wide travel to build strong relationships with major retailers and independent stockists. With a commitment to employee growth, diversity, and inclusion, this company offers a supportive environment where your passion for retail and product can thrive, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Manager, Gift & Lifestyle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to be polished and persuasive, so rehearse how you’d present yourself and your ideas. Make sure you can confidently discuss how you can drive sales and build relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interviews or meetings, send a thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Manager, Gift & Lifestyle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product:When you're writing your application, let your love for the gift and lifestyle sector shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm for great products can translate into success in this role.
Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills:Make sure to emphasise your experience in building genuine relationships with retailers and teams. We’re looking for someone who can connect with people, so share examples of how you've turned conversations into successful partnerships.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves monitoring performance and translating data into insights, don’t forget to mention your analytical skills. We appreciate candidates who can back up their strategies with solid data, so include any relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at I Love My Job Ltd | B Corp
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's product range and their existing retail partnerships. Be ready to discuss how you would manage and grow a diverse portfolio of retailers, showcasing your understanding of both major high-street partners and independent stockists.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you turned a conversation into a commercial success, as this role is all about being a natural relationship-builder.
✨Be Data-Driven
Brush up on your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions in past roles. Highlight your experience with monitoring performance metrics and translating them into actionable insights, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Product
Let your enthusiasm for the gift and lifestyle sector shine through. Share your thoughts on current trends, competitors, and what excites you about the products. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the brand and its success.
